Jimmy Carter Administration:
Documents Agreed Upon at the Camp David Meeting on the Middle East

(September 17, 1978)

Muhammad Anwar al-Sadat, President of the Arab Republic
of Egypt, and Menachem Begin, Prime Minister of Israel, met with Jimmy
Carter, President of the United States of America, at Camp David from
September 5 to September 17, 1978, and have agreed on the following
framework for peace in the Middle East. They invite other parties to
the Arab-Israeli conflict to adhere to it.

PREAMBLE

The search for peace in the Middle East must be guided
by the following:

—The agreed basis for a peaceful settlement of
the conflict between Israel and its neighbors is United Nations Security
Council Resolution 242, in all its parts.*

* The texts of Resolutions 242 and 338 are annexed
to this document.

—After four wars during thirty years, despite
intensive human efforts, the Middle East, which is the cradle of civilization
and the birthplace of three great religions, does not yet enjoy the
blessings of peace. The people of the Middle East yearn for peace so
that the vast human and natural resources of the region can be turned
to the pursuits of peace and so that this area can become a model for
coexistence and cooperation among nations.

—The historic initiative of President Sadat in
visiting Jerusalem and the reception accorded to him by the Parliament,
government and people of Israel, and the reciprocal visit of Prime Minister
Begin to Ismailia, the peace proposals made by both leaders, as well
as the warm reception of these missions by the peoples of both countries,
have created an unprecedented opportunity for peace which must not be
lost if this generation and future generations are to be spared the
tragedies of war.

—The provisions of the Charter of the United
Nations and the other accepted norms of international law and legitimacy
now provide accepted standards for the conduct of relations among all
states.

—To achieve a relationship of peace, in the spirit
of Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, future negotiations between
Israel and any neighbor prepared to negotiate peace and security with
it, are necessary for the purpose of carrying out all the provisions
and principles of Resolutions 242 and 338.

—Peace requires respect for the sovereignty,
territorial integrity and political independence of every state in the
area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries
free from threats or acts of force. Progress toward that goal can accelerate
movement toward a new era of reconciliation in the Middle East marked
by cooperation in promoting economic development, in maintaining stability,
and in assuring security.

—Security is enhanced by a relationship of peace
and by cooperation between nations which enjoy normal relations. In
addition, under the terms of peace treaties, the parties can, on the
basis of reciprocity, agree to special security arrangements such as
demilitarized zones, limited armaments areas, early warning stations,
the presence of international forces, liaison, agreed measures for monitoring,
and other arrangements that they agree are useful.

FRAMEWORK

Taking these factors into account, the parties are
determined to reach a just, comprehensive, and durable settlement of
the Middle East conflict through the conclusion of peace treaties based
on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 in all their parts. Their
purpose is to achieve peace and good neighborly relations. They recognize
that, for peace to endure, it must involve all those who have been most
deeply affected by the conflict. They therefore agree that this framework
as appropriate is intended by them to constitute a basis for peace not
only between Egypt and Israel, but also between Israel and each of its
other neighbors which is prepared to negotiate peace with Israel on
this basis. With that objective in mind, they have agreed to proceed
as follows:

A. West Bank and Gaza

1. Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the representatives of
the Palestinian people should participate in negotiations on the resolution
of the Palestinian problem in all its aspects. To achieve that objective,
negotiations relating to the West Bank and Gaza should proceed in three
stages:

(a) Egypt and Israel agree that, in order to ensure
a peaceful and orderly transfer of authority, and taking into account
the security concerns of all the parties, there should be transitional
arrangements for the West Bank and Gaza for a period not exceeding five
years. In order to provide full autonomy to the inhabitants, under these
arrangements the Israeli military government and its civilian administration
will be withdrawn as soon as a self-governing authority has been freely
elected by the inhabitants of these areas to replace the existing military
government. To negotiate the details of a transitional arrangement,
the Government of Jordan will be invited to join the negotiations on
the basis of this framework. These new arrangements should give due
consideration both to the principle of self-government by the inhabitants
of these territories and to the legitimate security concerns of the
parties involved.

(b) Egypt, Israel, and Jordan will agree on the modalities
for establishing the elected self-governing authority in the West Bank
and Gaza. The delegations of Egypt and Jordan may include Palestinians
from the West Bank and Gaza or other Palestinians as mutually agreed.
The parties will negotiate an agreement which will define the powers
and responsibilities of the self-governing authority to be exercised
in the West Bank and Gaza. A withdrawal of Israeli armed forces will
take place and there will be a redeployment of the remaining Israeli
forces into specified security locations. The agreement will also include
arrangements for assuring internal and external security and public
order. A strong local police force will be established, which may include
Jordanian citizens. In addition, Israeli and Jordanian forces will participate
in joint patrols and in the manning of control posts to assure the security
of the borders.

(c) When the self-governing authority (administrative
council) in the West Bank and Gaza is established and inaugurated, the
transitional period of five years will begin. As soon as possible, but
not later than the third year after the beginning of the transitional
period, negotiations will take place to determine the final status of
the West Bank and Gaza and its relationship with its neighbors, and
to conclude a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan by the end of the
transitional period. These negotiations will be conducted among Egypt,
Israel, Jordan, and the elected representatives of the inhabitants of
the West Bank and Gaza. Two separate but related committees will be
convened, one committee, consisting of representatives of the four parties
which will negotiate and agree on the final status of the West Bank
and Gaza, and its relationship with its neighbors, and the second committee,
consisting of representatives of Israel and representatives of Jordan
to be joined by the elected representatives of the inhabitants of the
West Bank and Gaza, to negotiate the peace treaty between Israel and
Jordan, taking into account the agreement reached on the final status
of the West Bank and Gaza. The negotiations shall be based on all the
provisions and principles of UN Security Council Resolution 242. The
negotiations will resolve, among other matters, the location of the
boundaries and the nature of the security arrangements. The solution
from the negotiations must also recognize the legitimate rights of the
Palestinian people and their just requirements. In this way, the Palestinians
will participate in the determination of their own future through:

1) The negotiations among Egypt, Israel, Jordan and
the representatives of the inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza to
agree on the final status of the West Bank and Gaza and other outstanding
issues by the end of the transitional period.

2) Submitting their agreement to a vote by the elected
representatives of the inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza.

3) Providing for the elected representatives of the
inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza to decide how they shall govern
themselves consistent with the provisions of their agreement.

4) Participating as stated above in the work of the
committee negotiating the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan.

2. All necessary measures will be taken and provisions
made to assure the security of Israel and its neighbors during the transitional
period and beyond. To assist in providing such security, a strong local
police force will be constituted by the selfgoverning authority. It
will be composed of inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza. The police
will maintain continuing liaison on internal security matters with the
designated Israeli, Jordanian, and Egyptian officers.

3. During the transitional period, representatives
of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the self-governing authority will constitute
a continuing committee to decide by agreement on the modalities of admission
of persons displaced from the West Bank and Gaza in 1967, together with
necessary measures to prevent disruption and disorder. Other matters
of common concern may also be dealt with by this committee.

4. Egypt and Israel will work with each other and with
other interested parties to establish agreed procedures for a prompt,
just and permanent implementation of the resolution of the refugee problem.

B. Egypt-Israel

1. Egypt and Israel undertake not to resort to the
threat or the use of force to settle disputes. Any disputes shall be
settled by peaceful means in accordance with the provisions of Article
33 of the Charter of the United Nations.

2. In order to achieve peace between them, the parties
agree to negotiate in good faith with a goal of concluding within three
months from the signing of this Framework a peace treaty between them,
while inviting the other parties to the conflict to proceed simultaneously
to negotiate and conclude similar peace treaties with a view to achieving
a comprehensive peace in the area. The Framework for the Conclusion
of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel will govern the peace negotiations
between them. The parties will agree on the modalities and the timetable
for the implementation of their obligations under the treaty.

C. Associated Principles

1. Egypt and Israel state that the principles and provisions
described below should apply to peace treaties between Israel and each
of its neighbors—Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

2. Signatories shall establish among themselves relationships
normal to states at peace with one another. To this end, they should
undertake to abide by all the provisions of the Charter of the United
Nations. Steps to be taken in this respect include:

(a) full recognition;

(b) abolishing economic boycotts;

(c) guaranteeing that under their jurisdiction the
citizens of the other parties shall enjoy the protection of the due
process of law.

3. Signatories should explore possibilities for economic
development in the context of final peace treaties, with the objective
of contributing to the atmosphere of peace, cooperation and friendship
which is their common goal.

4. Claims Commissions may be established for the mutual
settlement of all financial claims.

5. The United States shall be invited to participate
in the talks on matters related to the modalities of the implementation
of the agreements and working out the timetable for the carrying out
of the obligations of the parties.

6. The United Nations Security Council shall be requested
to endorse the peace treaties and ensure that their provisions shall
not be violated. The permanent members of the Security Council shall
be requested to underwrite the peace treaties and ensure respect for
their provisions. They shall also be requested to conform their policies
and actions with the undertakings contained in this Framework.

For the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt:

A. SADAT

For the Government of Israel:

M. BEGIN

Witnessed by:

JIMMY CARTER

Jimmy Carter, President of the United States of America

ANNEX TEXT OF UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 242 OF NOVEMBER 22, 1967

Adopted unanimously at the 1382nd meeting

The Security Council,

Expressing its continuing concern with the grave situation
in the Middle East,

Emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition
of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace
in which every State in the area can live in security,

Emphasizing further that all Member States in their
acceptance of the Charter of the United Nations have undertaken a commitment
to act in accordance with Article 2 of the Charter,

1. Affirms that the fulfillment of Charter principles
requires the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle
East which should include the application of both the following principles:

(i) Withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories
occupied in the recent conflict;

(ii) Termination of all claims or states of belligerency
and respect for and acknowledgement of the sovereignty, territorial
integrity and political independence of every State in the area and
their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries
free from threats or acts of force;

2. Affirms further the necessity

(a) For guaranteeing freedom of navigation through
international waterways in the area;

(b) For achieving a just settlement of the refugee
problem;

(c) For guaranteeing the territorial inviolability
and political independence of every State in the area, through measures
including the establishment of demilitarized zones;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to designate a Special
Representative to proceed to the Middle East to establish and maintain
contacts with the States concerned in order to promote agreement and
assist efforts to achieve a peaceful and accepted settlement in accordance
with the provisions and principles of this resolution.

4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the
Security Council on the progress of the efforts of the Special Representative
as soon as possible.

TEXT OF UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
338

Adopted by the Security Council at its 1747th meeting,
on 21/22 October 1973

The Security Council

1. Calls upon all parties to the present fighting to
cease all firing and terminate all military activity immediately, no
later than 12 hours after the moment of the adoption of this decision,
in the positions they now occupy;

2. Calls upon the parties concerned to start immediately
after the cease-fire the implementation of Security Council Resolution
242 (1967) in all of its parts;

3. Decides that, immediately and concurrently with
the cease-fire, negotiations start between the parties concerned under
appropriate auspices aimed at establishing a just and durable peace
in the Middle East.

FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONCLUSION OF A PEACE TREATY BETWEEN
EGYPT AND ISRAEL

In order to achieve peace between them, Israel and
Egypt agree to negotiate in good faith with a goal of concluding within
three months of the signing of this framework a peace treaty between
them.

It is agreed that:

The site of the negotiations will be under a United
Nations flag at a location or locations to be mutually agreed.

All of the principles of U.N. Resolution 242 will apply
in this resolution of the dispute between Israel and Egypt.

Unless otherwise mutually agreed, terms of the peace
treaty will be implemented between two and three years after the peace
treaty is signed.

The following matters are agreed between the parties:

(a) the full exercise of Egyptian sovereignty up to
the internationally recognized border between Egypt and mandated Palestine;

(b) the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from the
Sinai;

(c) the use of airfields left by the Israelis near
El Arish, Rafah, Ras en Naqb, and Sharm el Sheikh for civilian purposes
only, including possible commercial use by all nations;

(d) the right of free passage by ships of Israel through
the Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal on the basis of the Constantinople
Convention of 1888 applying to all nations; the Strait of Titan and
the Gulf of Aqaba are international waterways to be open to all nations
for unimpeded and nonsuspendable freedom of navigation and overflight;

(e) the construction of a highway between the Sinai
and Jordan near Elat with guaranteed free and peaceful passage by Egypt
and Jordan; and

(f) the stationing of military forces listed below.

STATIONING OF FORCES

A. No more than one division (mechanized or infantry)
of Egyptian armed forces will be stationed within an area lying approximately
50 kilometers (kin) east of the Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal.

B. Only United Nations forces and civil police equipped
with light weapons to perform normal police functions will be stationed
within an area lying west of the international border and the Gulf of
Aqaba, varying in width from 20 km to 40 km.

C. In the area within 3 km east of the international
border there will be Israeli limited military forces not to exceed four
infantry battalions and United Nations observers.

D. Border patrol units, not to exceed three battalions,
will supplement the civil police in maintaining order in the area not
included above.

The exact demarcation of the above areas will be as
decided during the peace negotiations.

Early warning stations may exist to insure compliance
with the terms of the agreement.

United Nations forces will be stationed: (a) in part
of the area in the Sinai lying within about 20 km of the Mediterranean
Sea and adjacent to the international border, and (b) in the Sharm el
Sheikh area to ensure freedom of passage through the Strait of Tiran;
and these forces will not be removed unless such removal is approved
by the Security Council of the United Nations with a unanimous vote
of the five permanent members.

After a peace treaty is signed, and after the interim
withdrawal is complete, normal relations will be established between
Egypt and Israel, including: full recognition, including diplomatic,
economic and cultural relations; termination of economic boycotts and
barriers to the free movement of goods and people; and mutual protection
of citizens by the due process of law.

INTERIM WITHDRAWAL

Between three months and nine months after the signing
of the peace treaty, all Israeli forces will withdraw east of a line
extending from a point east of El Arish to Ras Muhammad, the exact location
of this line to be determined by mutual agreement.